Three times Someone’s impl to champion Kolkata Knight Riders The previous Australian all-rounder has been ahead of the backroom staff for the 2026 season Shane Watson as an assistant coach. The announcement on 12 November 2025 marks a significant step in KKR’s coaching overhaul following a 2025 campaign in which the franchise finished seventh in the points table.
KKR have appointed Shane Watson as their new assistant coach for IPL 2026
Watson joins a revamped coaching staff started by the recently appointed head coach Abhishek Nayar and mentor Dwayne Bravo. The 44-year-old brings extensive T20 expertise and international experience to the Eden Gardens-based franchise. Watson previously served as an assistant coach Capitals of Delhi alt Ricky ponting Before taking a three-year stint as head coach in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket.
KKR CEO Venky mysore Having welcomed the Australian legend to franchise for franchise, Watson’s experience as both player and coach will add immense value to their teams’ culture and preparations at the highest level. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class and the franchise looks forward to his contributions both on and off the field.
Watson himself was enthusiastic about the meeting, acknowledging the passion of the KKR fans and the franchise’s commitment to excellence. He passionately emphasized working closely with the coaching staff and players to help Kolkata bring another title.
One of the most accomplished all-rounders in Cricket History, Watson has represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIS and 58 T20 Internationals, 58 T20 Internationals and claims over 280 wickets across formats. He played a pivotal role inside Australia‘s 2007 and 2015 ICC World Cup winning campaigns and enjoyed a stellar IPL career from 2008 to 2020.
Watson won two championships in 145 IPL matches, scoring four centuries Rajasthan Royals In 2008 and Chennai super kings He was named the most valuable player in 2018, 2008, the 2008 season and again in 2013, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest all-rounders in the IPL.
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KKR’S RENEWAL CALL FOR YEAR 2026
After a thorough coaching restructuring after a road trip with the head coach Chandrakant pandit In July 2025, KKR assembled a new look support staff for the upcoming season. The current coaching staff includes Watson as assistant coach, Nayar as Watson and Dwayne Bravo He continues in his role as a team teacher.
Reports also suggest the former New Zealand fast bowler Tim South He will also join KKR’s coaching staff if his exact appointment is not officially confirmed by the franchise. The addition of Southee will further strengthen KKR with international expertise across multiple departments.
Nayar’s promotion to head coach provides a spin-off from his previous role as an assistant coach. The 42-year-old former India all-rounder has been associated with KKR since 2018 as the head of the Franchise Academy before joining the team’s support staff. He played an instrumental role in the development of some young talents Rinku Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Harshit Ranaand Angkrish Raghuvanshiwho are key players for the franchise.
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